JP3043498B2 - Sample analyzer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sample analyzer equipped with a sampling valve, which cuts out a liquid sample such as blood in a slice shape by a sampling valve, collects a predetermined amount, performs a predetermined process, and analyzes the sample. The present invention relates to a sample analyzer capable of supporting a discrete test in which only a necessary sample can be selected and subjected to processing such as dilution.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A device for counting red blood cells and the like, a device for classifying white blood cells, and a device for counting reticulocytes are well known. Further, a device (multi-function device) in which the plurality of functions are integrated into one is also known. In this multifunction device, measurement results of multiple items can be obtained by a single sampling operation. However, depending on the sample, an unnecessary item is measured, and the sample and the reagent are wasted. If we try to eliminate such waste,
A function (discrete test function) of sampling only a necessary sample for each sample and taking it into the apparatus for analysis is required. For example, in the field of biochemical testing, a sampling method is employed in which a required amount of a sample is aspirated from a pipette and the sample is discharged into a reaction vessel. Although this method has a simple configuration, it is difficult to obtain high accuracy. This is a problem particularly when handling highly viscous samples such as blood. For this reason, in the blood cell counter, the sampling of the sample is performed by using a sampling valve to cut out the sample into a slice and collect a fixed amount.

[0005] The configuration and operation of a general sampling valve will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Usually, the sampling valve has two fixed elements 10, 14
And the movable element 12 sandwiched between the fixed elements 10 and 14. 5 and 6 show two states of the sampling valve. In FIG. 5, the sample flows in the direction of arrow A, that is, the pipette 16, the inflow passage Q, the quantification passage P1, and the outflow passage R1, and is filled in the quantification passage P1 of the movable element 12 (this is referred to as the first passage). State). First
When the movable element 12 moves from the state (1), the state shown in FIG. 6 is obtained (this state is referred to as a second state). In the first state, the sample filled in the quantification passage P1 is cut out and the passage T
The liquid is transferred from the sampling valve 2 to the passage T1 in the direction of arrow B together with a liquid such as a diluent.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a sample analyzer for sampling a sample by a sampling valve,
It has been eager to enable the above-described discrete test (sampling and analyzing only necessary samples for each sample). The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide a sample analyzer capable of selecting only a sample necessary for measurement for each sample and performing a process such as dilution.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a sample analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
And the movable element 1 which is sandwiched and moved between these fixed elements.
., A plurality of sample quantification passages Pi; i = 1, 2,... Corresponding to a plurality of measurement items are provided in the movable element 12, and the fixed elements 10, 14 are respectively provided with predetermined passages Pi of the movable element 10. Are provided, and the movable element 12
Is moved while being in surface contact with the fixed elements 10 and 14, the first state in which each passage Pi of the movable element 12 is filled with the sample, and the sample filled with each passage Pi is cut out in a ring shape and cut into each section. A sampling valve 11 having a second state for transferring, a suction means C0 for allowing a sample to flow into the sampling valve 11, and each passage P of the movable element 12.
a plurality of dispensing means Ci for supplying a liquid for dilution to i; i =
, And a plurality of chambers Bi for receiving each sample extruded into the dilution liquid; i = 1, 2,..., Settings for setting items to be measured. Based on the information from the means 30 and the setting means 30,
A control unit 28 that generates a control signal for selectively operating the dispensing unit Ci, and a driving unit 26 that receives the control signal and drives each dispensing unit Ci, includes a sample related to measurement, In the case where an item is set to be measured, the dispensing means Ci corresponding to the item is operated in any of the first state and the second state, and the item is not measured. If set, the first
In any one of the state (1) and the second state, the dispensing means Ci corresponding to the item is not operated (claim 1).

In the above-described sample analyzer, when the failure to measure a certain item occurs continuously for a predetermined number of times,
It is desirable to control the dispensing means Ci corresponding to the item to operate in the first state even though the sample does not measure the item (claim 2). In this sample analyzer, the dispensing means Ci
Is operated twice in the first state, the first dispensed liquid is discharged from the chamber Bi, and the second dispensed liquid is kept in the chamber Bi. Is desirable (claim 3). Further, in the sample analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, when a certain item is measured in a certain sample, the measurement is not performed in the next sample measurement even if the sample measures the item. However, the dispensing means Ci is operated twice in the first state, the first dispensed liquid is discharged from the chamber Bi, and the second dispensed liquid is retained in the chamber Bi. Is desirable (claim 4). In the sample analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, the setting means 30 may be a means for presetting measurement items for a plurality of samples for each sample, for example, a workload setting means (claim 5). It is desirable that the means 30 be set means provided corresponding to the measurement item, for example, a switch means.

By the way, as a specific example of the sampling valve 11, fixed quantity passages P 1, P
, Pn, and relay paths S1, S2,..., Sn-1 for connecting the quantitative paths P1, P2,.
In the first state, the inflow passage Q through which the sample path to be analyzed is drawn in from the outside, which is connected to the leading quantitative passage P1 of the series of serially connected passages, and is connected in series in the first state. An outflow passage R for sending out the sample sample to be analyzed to the outside, which is connected to the last quantitative passage Pn of the series of passages, and one of the fixed elements,
In the second state, the first transport passages T1a, T2a, which communicate with the quantitative passages P1, P2,.
, Tna, and the other fixed element is provided with second transfer paths T1b, T2b,..., Tnb communicating with the quantitative paths P1, P2,. , Un in the first state, the cleaning passages U1, U2,... Un communicating with the passages T1a and T1b, T2a and T2b,..., Tna and Tnb, respectively, and a suction means (for example, a syringe) C0. Are connected to the outflow passage R, and dispensing means (for example, syringes) C1, C2,..., Cn for analyzing the liquid for dilution are provided in one of the first and second transfer passages. T1b, T
2b,..., Tnb, and receive chambers B1, B2,.
n is the other transfer passage T of the first or second transfer passage
1a, T2a,..., Tna.

[0008]

When the suction means C0 operates in the first state of the sampling valve 11, the sample flows in series with the inflow passage Q, the quantitative passage P1, the relay passage S1,... It flows through the passages and fills each passage. At the same time, when a certain dispensing means Ci operates,
Diluent passes through the passages Tib, Ui, and Tia, and flows into the chamber Bi.
Sent to This diluent is used for washing. Next, the sampling valve 11 is moved from the first state to the second state.
It changes to the state. By operating the dispensing means Ci,
The diluent pushes out the sample quantified in the passage Pi through the passages Tib, Pi, and Tia, and the diluent and the sample are mixed in the chamber B.
The sample is mixed in i to prepare a diluted sample for measurement. The diluted sample thus prepared is supplied to a measurement unit (not shown) in the sample analyzer 15 and measured and analyzed. Thereafter, the sampling valve 11 returns to the first state again, and the outflow passage R
A washing liquid (a diluting liquid is also acceptable) is supplied to the sample, and a sample remaining in a series of serial passages is washed away, and each passage is washed.

In the sample analyzer of the present invention, the measurement items of the sample can be set by the setting means 30. For example, as shown in the workload list in the workload setting unit in Table 1 below, the item setting is performed by setting the sample number information in the workload setting unit and “1” (measure) or “0” (measurement) in each measurement item. By inputting the item selection information of (No), a plurality of samples to be measured can be set in advance. This is useful when a sample is automatically supplied by a sampler (sample supply device). Further, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the measurement item can be changed by selecting the measurement item by the switch means. This is useful for manual measurement. Based on the data of the measurement items set in the setting means 30 in this way, the control means 28 generates a control signal for causing the dispensing means to perform a predetermined operation. The driving means 26 drives each dispensing means according to the control signal.

When the measurement of an item is not performed, it is not necessary to prepare a diluted sample for measuring the item.
Therefore, the operation of the dispensing means Ci corresponding to the item is not performed. However, the passage Pi is in the second state,
Since it is in contact with the passages Tia, Tib,
The sample in the passage Pi is gradually mixed into Tib. Therefore, it is preferable that washing be performed before the sample mixing proceeds. Specifically, when the measurement of an item is not performed continuously for a predetermined number of times, that is, when the dispensing means Ci does not operate continuously for a predetermined number of times, the dispensing means is not measured even though the item is not measured. Ci is operated in the first state, and the passages Tia and Tib are cleaned.
Further, at that time, the dispensing means Ci is operated twice in the first state, and the first dispensed liquid is discharged from the chamber Bi,
The second dispensed liquid may be kept in the chamber Bi. In this case, since the liquid to be dispensed into the chamber Bi for the second time is a liquid that does not contain a sample (a diluent itself), there is an operational effect that there is no possibility of causing contamination of the chamber Bi. Further, when a certain item is measured in a certain sample, the dispensing means Ci is operated twice in the first state in the next sample measurement regardless of the presence / absence of the measurement in the first sample. The dispensed liquid may be discharged from the chamber Bi, and the second dispensed liquid may be retained in the chamber Bi. In this case, since the chamber Bi can be cleaned immediately, there is an operational effect that there is no possibility of causing contamination of the chamber Bi.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the shapes of the components described in this embodiment, the relative arrangement thereof, and the like are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them only, unless otherwise specified, and are merely illustrative examples. It's just FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a main part of a sample analyzer (for example, a blood cell counter) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of the setting means 30. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing a fluid circuit around the sampling valve 11 in FIG. 3 shows a first state of the sampling valve, and FIG. 4 shows a second state. In FIG. 4, dispensing means, chambers and the like are omitted for simplification of the drawing. In this embodiment, the sampling valve 11 is provided with, for example, five quantification passages P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. Accordingly, the first and second transfer passages and the washing passage are also T1a, T2a, T3a, T4a,
T5a (first transfer passage), T1b, T2b, T3
b, T4b, T5b (second transfer passage), U1, U
5, U3, U4, and U5 (passages for cleaning) are provided, and dispensing means (for example, a syringe), and chambers are also C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 (dispensing means), and B1, respectively.
B2, B3, B4, and B5 (chambers) are provided five by five. Four relay paths S1, S2, S3, and S4 are provided to connect the quantitative paths P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 in series. 16 is a pipette, 18, 20, 2
2 and 24 are cleaning liquid (diluting liquid) tanks, V0, V1, V2 and V
3, V4 and V5 are three-way valves. The diluent is also used as a cleaning liquid.

The passages P1, P2, and P3 of the passages for quantification have eight CBC (blood cell count) items (normal blood cell count items, WBC (white blood cell count), RBC (red blood cell count), HGB (hemoglobin amount), and HCT (hemoglobin amount). Hematocrit value), MCV
(Average red blood cell volume), MCH (average red blood cell hemoglobin amount), MCHC (average red blood cell hemoglobin concentration), PL
Quantify the sample for measurement (8 items of T (platelet count)). The passage P4 quantifies a sample for WBC 5 diff (white blood cell 5 classification) measurement. The passage P5 quantifies a sample for measuring Ret (reticulocyte). Therefore, in the case of CBC measurement, the group of dispensing means C1, C2, and C3 operates, in the case of WBC5 diff measurement, the dispensing means C4 operates, and in the case of Ret measurement, the dispensing means C5 operates. In this embodiment, in the case of measuring only CBC (hereinafter referred to as an item), in the case of CBC + WBC 5 diff (hereinafter referred to as an item), in the case of measuring only Ret (hereinafter referred to as an item), CBC + WBC 5diff + Ret, that is, AL
In the case of L measurement (hereinafter referred to as items), the following four measurement patterns are provided. In this case, C1, C2, C3, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C1 , C2, C3, C4, C5, are operated as a group.

Table 1 is an example of a workload list in the workload setting means for setting the above items (1) to (4). Before setting the sample, set the ID No. for the sample to be measured. (Sample identification number) input (arbitrary eight-digit number) and item input ("1" for measurement, "0" for no measurement. Control based on the setting information from the workload setting means. Means 28
Which group of dispensing means to operate,
A predetermined control signal is generated at a predetermined timing in the measurement sequence. The driving means 26 drives each dispensing means according to the control signal. The setting by the workload setting means is useful at the time of automatic measurement using a sampler.

[0014]

[Table 1]

FIG. 2 shows another example of the setting means. 32,
Reference numerals 34, 36, and 38 denote switches.
The OFF information is input to the control means 40, and it is determined which of the items to. Thereafter, when the sample is measured, the dispensing means operates at a predetermined timing, and the items set by the switches are measured. By changing the setting of the switch, a measurement item can be selected for each sample. Such setting by the switch is useful at the time of manual measurement. It is extremely useful if the blood cell counter is provided with both of the setting means. One of the two setting means is selected according to the sampler mode or the manual mode. By pressing the start switch for the sampler, the sampler starts operating. The sample is aspirated by pressing the manual start switch.

In the manual mode, four switches 32, 3 provided on the main body of the sample analyzer before measurement.
By selecting 4, 36, 38, the measurement items can be set and changed. Thereafter, since the same setting is kept until the setting is changed, it is not necessary to set the same every time when measuring the same measurement item. After setting the measurement items, press the manual start switch to aspirate the sample. In the case of the sampler mode, it can be set for each sample number (ID No.) by the workload setting means (PC) connected to the sample analyzer. If only the sample number is set, an error is displayed and the sampler does not start even if the start switch for the sampler is pressed. Alternatively, in some cases, it may be determined that all items are measured. After creating the workload list as described above, the sample-mounted rack is set on the sampler, and the information on the sample number and the measurement items is transferred to the control means 30 of the sample analyzer by the start switch of the workload setting means. Then, the operation of the sampler is started.

In the present embodiment, if the measurement of a certain item does not occur continuously for a predetermined number of times, the dispensing corresponding to the item is performed even though the sample does not measure the item. It is more preferable that the means Ci be operated in the first state. For example, assume that items are measured continuously. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample is passed through the passages P1, P2, P3, P4 of the sampling valve 11.
Quantified at P5. The samples used for the measurement are only the samples in the passages P1, P2 and P3, and the passages P4 and P5.
Samples are not used. That is, the dispensing means C1, C
Only C2 and C3 operate in the first and second states of the sampling valve 11, and the dispensing means C4 and C5 do not operate. However, the samples in the passages P4 and P5 are provided in the passages T4a, T4b,
By coming into contact with T5a and T5b, very little is mixed into each passage. If the dispensing means C4 and C5 do not operate continuously, for example, ten times, the dispensing means C4 and C5 are operated in the next measurement, and the passage T
4a, T4b, T5a, and T5b are cleaned.

[0018]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. (1) In a sample analyzer provided with a sampling valve, a so-called discrete test in which only necessary samples are sampled and analyzed for each sample can be realized. That is, the dispensing means is selectively operated based on the item setting information from the setting means, so that only a sample necessary for the measurement can be selected to prepare a diluted sample for the measurement, and the diluting liquid and the like can be saved. it can. (2) If the dispensing means Ci corresponding to the item is operated as required when the measurement of the item is not performed, the dispensing solution is used to prevent the passage and the like from being washed before the contamination progresses. So you don't have to worry about pollution.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a main part of a sample analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a setting unit in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a first state in which a sample is filled in a quantification passage in the sampling valve in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory sectional view showing a second state in which a sample is cut out and transferred in the sampling valve in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a conventional general sampling valve.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory sectional view showing a first state in which a sample is filled in a passage for quantification.

FIG. 6 shows a conventional general sampling valve;
It is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd state which cuts out and transfers a sample.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 fixed element 11 sampling valve 12 movable element 14 fixed element 15 sample analyzer 16 pipette 18 cleaning liquid (diluent) tank 26 driving means 28 control means 30 setting means 32 switch 40 control means Bi chamber Ci dispensing means C0 suction means Q inflow Passage Pi quantification passage R outflow passage Si relay passage Ti transfer passage Ui washing passage

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A stationary element (1) in a stationary state.
0), (14), and a movable element (12) that moves between these fixed elements, and a plurality of sample quantification paths (P) corresponding to a plurality of measurement items are provided in the movable element (12).
i; i = 1, 2,...), and the fixed element (10),
(14) is provided with a plurality of passages which make a predetermined connection with each passage (Pi) of the movable element (10), and the movable element (12) is in surface contact with the fixed elements (10) and (14). By moving, each passage (Pi) of the movable element (12) is moved.
A sampling valve (11) having a first state in which the sample is filled into the sample, a second state in which the sample filled in each of the passages (Pi) is cut out in a ring shape and transferred to each part; A plurality of dispensing means (Ci; i = 1, 2,...) For supplying a liquid for dilution to each passage (Pi) of the movable element (12); Setting means (30) for setting an item to be measured in a sample analyzer having a plurality of chambers (Bi; i = 1, 2,...) For receiving each sample extruded by the liquid Based on the information from (30), the dispensing means (C
control means (28) for generating a control signal for selectively operating i), and driving means (26) for receiving the control signal and driving each dispensing means (Ci). When the sample is set to measure a certain item, the dispensing means (Ci) corresponding to the item is operated in any of the first state and the second state, When the item is set not to be measured, the dispensing means (Ci) corresponding to the item is not operated in any of the first state and the second state. Sample analyzer. 2. When a certain item is not measured for a predetermined number of times consecutively, the dispensing means (Ci) corresponding to the item is determined even though the sample does not measure the item. 2. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the sample analyzer is controlled to operate in the first state. 3. When the dispensing means (Ci) is operated, it is operated twice in the first state, the first dispensed liquid is discharged from the chamber (Bi), and the second dispensed liquid is discharged. Chamber (B
3. The sample analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus is controlled so as to be kept in i). 4. When a certain item is measured in a certain sample, in the next sample measurement, whether the sample measures the item or not, the dispensing means. (Ci) is operated twice in the first state,
3. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the first dispensed liquid is discharged from the chamber (Bi), and the second dispensed liquid is retained in the chamber (Bi). 5. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, wherein said setting means is means for setting measurement items for a plurality of samples in advance for each sample. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting means is a setting means provided corresponding to the measurement item.
Or the sample analyzer according to 2.